Piecing together Leon’s final walk

FRIENDS pay their respects to Leon at the spot where his body was found

A POLICE probe into the death of 15-year-old Leon Cudworth will continue for some weeks as tests take place. But police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

Leon was pronounced dead in an alleyway off Ripponden Road, Watersheddings after being found by a passer-by just before 8am on Saturday.

Police have trawled CCTV footage to piece together the teenager’s final movements, and have revealed that further toxicology testing is needed.

But Det Chief-Insp Phil Reade said: “We are not treating Leon’s death as suspicious. Leon was captured on CCTV leaving friends just after 1am at McDonalds on Huddersfield Road, making his way home.

“He is later seen just before 1.20am on CCTV on Ripponden Road just 300 metres from his home. Sadly, his death appears to be the result of a tragic set of circumstances.

“We are awaiting further toxicology tests to help answer some of the questions, which may take some weeks. In the meantime the investigation is piecing together his last movements.”

Lynda Thompson, head teacher at Kingsland School, which Leon attended, paid tribute to the teenager and spoke of his sharp sense of humour and aptitude for sports.

She said: “We are distraught at the tragic death of Leon, and our school community has been deeply affected. He will be dearly missed. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.”

Leon’s friends visited the alleyway on Sunday to lay flowers and tributes.